Glossary of Stair Terms
Stairway Manufacturers Association Glossary Link


The Following are Stair Terms that associate with Stair Building or terms Amazing Stairways uses locally to identify components or the styles of a stair.

Western Stair Stringer
Western Details
A Western Stair Stringer is a stringer that houses each tread or step by a mortised slot. Each tread is inserted into this slot and glued and shimmed tight into place. Each tread is then screwed and secured so that no movement, loosening of the stair system can occur. A western stair stringer extends above the nosing line of the treads by a few inches. This allows a straight line from the top floor to the bottom. The top edge of the stringer is parallel with the bottom edge through out. When you look at the side of a Western Stair Stringer you do not see the sides of the teads. You can see many Western Stairs in the Photo Gallery.

Eastern Stair Stringer
Eastern Details
An Eastern Stair Stringer is a stringer that the top portion is cut out or notched like a saw blade to carry the treads. Each tread will extend over the edge of the Eastern Stringer. The top edge of the stringer is notched and the bottom edge is a straight line from the top to the bottom. Each tread is glued and screwed to the top of the notch in each cut. You can see many Eastern Style Stairs in the Photo Gallery.

Open Riser Eastern Stair
Open Riser Details
An open riser stair is a stair that the rise of each step is clear. You can see through the stair. It lets more light surround the stair and gives the appearance of more space.

Paint Grade Stringer Oak Treads
Stair Details